Definition

A type of coffin made of stone, usually decorated or inscribed, used for burying the dead.

Example

The archaeologists discovered an ancient sarcophagus in the ruins of the old temple.

Conversation

Did you see that documentary about ancient Egypt last night?

Yeah, it was fascinating! They showed a real sarcophagus.

I didn't know they were so intricately designed.

Right? It’s amazing how much history is inside those sarcophagi.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Sarcophagus → It is formed from "sarx" (meaning flesh) and "phagein" (meaning to eat). The word originally referred to a stone coffin that was believed to consume the flesh of the deceased, hence the name.

Memory Tip

Think of 'flesh' ('sarx') being 'eaten' ('phagein') by a stone coffin, which helps you remember that a sarcophagus is a tomb for the dead.

Visually Confused Words